Eastern Wiles

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 648, 27 April 1929, Page 29

Eastern Wiles

ANNA MAY WONG COMING “Show Life” Booked by Majestic ANNA MAY WONG, the fascinating Chinese actress, formerly of Hollywood, who is now an established star in England, will appear at the Majestic in “Show Life,” released by Cinema Art. This is the picture that “made” the star in Europe, presenting her in the emotional part of a little waif from Malay who joins a travelling circus troupe.

TOURING the past year English critics have been loud in their preiises of Anna May Wong, who now ranks highly among the players at Elstree. Their attention was attracted mainly by her work in “Show Life.” A British International picture directed by Richard Eichberg, “Show Life,” has proved itself one of the most successful films yet photographed under the Union Jack. It possesses the neat blending that is destined to make British productions famous —the speed and snap of the American film combined with the polish and soundness of the Continental product.. Miss Wong is being exploited far better in England than was the case when she worked in Hollywood, and “Show Life” displays her abilities at their fullest and best. The part might have been created specially for the star, so well does It dovetail with her particular characteristics.

The story tells of a little girl from the F,a.st. who hp.comor t.hp Dai’t.ner of a broken-down circus performer. Together they introduce a knife-throw-ing act with which they earn a precarious living. Then a former love of Houben, the circus man, comes on the scene. To satisfy her craving for jewels he takes part in a robbery and loses his eyesight. With male inconsequence he blames his little partner. Song, the Malayan girl, continues to have faith in her one-time benefactor and, as a dancer, earns money with with which to nurse him. In the end she dies as a result of an accident during her dangerous sword dance and, when it is too late, Houben realises the nature and extent of her sacrifice. The story is one of high dramatic value and the photoplay is a feature of the production. Technically the picture is one of the best British International has achieved.